A recent article published in PerthNOW, reported a Drug Helpline for WA managers and business owners is receiving approximately 20 calls a month, most of which were centered around the concern of worker’s use of methamphetamine. According to Deidre Willmott, CCI chief executive, the bulk of calls came from businesses in high risk industries; such as mining, construction and manufacturing “workplaces where the effects of drugs and alcohol… Could be catastrophic” explained Ms Willmott.
Employers have reportedly told the CCI about experiences of erratic and aggressive behavior occurring towards co-workers; resulting in mistakes to be made and threatening the site safety.
Ms Willmott suggests that changes should be made to the Fair Work Act which will give employers discretion in choosing the most suitable drug testing method for their workplace.
“Employers are wanting to be proactive by putting appropriate processes in place…. They should be able to dismiss these employees without facing risks of unfair dismissal claims” she said.
It is also understood some hotline inquiries have been about drug dealing in the workplace.
Read the full article here.
